🌿Kanchanaburi – Thailand

🌿 Two Days in Kanchanaburi: Waterfalls, Railways & the Heart of Thailand

🚆 The Long Way to Kanchanaburi

After boarding the train in Hua Hin, we found ourselves waiting on the tracks for another train to pass. It caused a small delay, but that’s just part of the Thai rail charm! Without air conditioning it was warm while stationary, but the breeze that swept through once we were moving made all the difference.

Vendors wandered up and down the carriage selling cold drinks, snacks, and even hot meals — no shop stops needed! The three hour journey offered unforgettable countryside views, far more picturesque than any bus route we’d taken before.

We arrived at Ban Pong just after 3 pm, only to learn there was no connecting train onward to Kanchanaburi. Thankfully, a helpful local pointed us toward Bus 81, which would take us directly there. At just 50 baht each (about £1.13), the total travel cost still came in cheaper than a single minivan ticket — a small victory for our backpacker budget.

🏠 Arrival & First Impressions

The bus journey took around an hour and by 4:30 pm we reached Kanchanaburi bus station. Because we arrived there (and not the train station, as expected), we had a half hour walk to our hostel — a good workout with our bags!

After checking in and showering, we set out again to make the most of the evening. First stop, the Death Railway Viaduct — one of Kanchanaburi’s most famous landmarks. The walk took about forty minutes, but arriving at sunset was pure magic.

🌉 The History Behind the Death Railway

During World War II, prisoners of war were forced to build this railway line under brutal conditions. Many lost their lives due to exhaustion, starvation, and disease — which is why it’s often called the Death Railway. Standing there in the golden light, the bridge looked serene yet deeply sobering, a powerful reminder of the past.

We took some photos, soaked in the view and made our way toward dinner.

🍴 Dinner & The Night Market

Dinner was at a cosy vegetarian and vegan café that Joe had researched earlier. Everything was freshly made, packed with flavour and fully re-energised us after a long travel day. The banana milkshake deserved a special mention — absolute perfection!

A light sprinkling of rain followed us as we strolled through the night market, but it didn’t last long. The market was very local — mainly clothes and household goods — giving us a genuine glimpse of community life away from the tourist crowds.

By 9 pm we were back at the hostel, relaxed and grateful for the day’s small adventures. We planned our next morning and eventually dozed off around 10:30 pm.

🌳 Day Two: Erawan National Park Adventure

We woke early at 6:30 am, packed our bags, and left our main luggage at the hostel reception. Our goal was a full day exploring Erawan National Park — home to one of Thailand’s most stunning waterfalls.

The local bus stopped right outside our hostel (by 7-Eleven) around 8 am. It was packed and we had to stand the entire way, but we didn’t mind once the views began. After about an hour and a half, we reached the park entrance, paid our fee and grabbed a map.

💦 Hiking Erawan’s Seven-Tier Waterfalls

Each tier of Erawan Falls offered something new and beautiful, from gentle cascades at the bottom to dramatic turquoise pools higher up. After the second level, food wasn’t allowed further up (to prevent littering), so we left our picnic behind.

By tier four, we found a natural rock slide — irresistible! Despite our initial hesitation, we both jumped in for a refreshing swim. From there, every level just became more breathtaking.

Tier five, with its crystal blue pools and natural “infinity edges,” became my favourite. Tier seven required a muddy, steep climb, but the reward was worth every slippery step. The view from the top felt untouched and wild — a perfect snapshot of Thailand’s natural beauty.

🚌 Heading Back & Moving North

We caught the 2 pm bus back to Kanchanaburi, exhausted but content. Joe napped while I hung my sarong out the window in hope of drying it!

Once back, we showered, repacked, and made our way toward the bus station for our next long haul trip — north to Chiang Mai (via Pai). There was time for one last toastie and ice lolly before we boarded our night bus. It left right on schedule at 5:59 pm — a rare but delightful surprise!

❤️ Reflections on Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi completely stole my heart. It’s charming, peaceful and not overwhelmed by tourism (yet). From the haunting beauty of the Death Railway to the lush green serenity of Erawan National Park, every moment felt meaningful.

I only wish we’d had one more day to explore the town’s quieter corners and perhaps visit the museums. But as always with travel — there’s joy in leaving a reason to return.

✍️ Author’s Note

To travel is to live — and Kanchanaburi reminded me why. It’s about slowing down, letting go of plans and just being present. Between sticky train rides, friendly strangers, and magical waterfalls, this stop gave me everything I love about Thailand rolled into two days of joy.

Until next time,
Katie x

Take a look at the more detailed journal (inc. photos)

🌏 Continue the Journey

If you enjoyed this story, follow along as we head north to Chiang Mai — a city known for its temples, night markets, and mountain air.
👉 Read our next blog post: Exploring Chiang Mai’s Old Town & Beyond here